Digital Transformation in Sport Organizations: Toward a Conceptual Framework

Background : This study examines the digital transformation of sport organizations, a process that has shifted organizational needs toward seamless, real-time digital services. Despite the growing economic scale of the sports market, digital governance within this sector remains underexplored. Methods : We performed a systematic literature review following PRISMA guidelines and a thematic analysis of 31 peer-reviewed articles in order to develop a structured conceptual framework. Results : The analysis identified eight recurring themes, namely, innovation and technology adoption, leadership and strategy, organizational change, digital tools and platforms, fan engagement, governance structures, barriers to transformation, and data management and privacy. The predominance of conceptual and exploratory studies indicates that the field remains in an early stage of development, underscoring the need for more systematic empirical investigations. The findings show that while larger organizations possess greater resources for innovation, smaller organizations face significant financial and technical barriers. Conclusions : The study concludes that digital transformation is a governance challenge that requires strategic alignment and leadership commitment rather than just technological upgrades. The framework provides a conceptual foundation for future empirical research and the development of maturity assessment tools to help sport organizations managing digital evolution.